Two new members join Northridge Local Schools Board of Education

Dave Weidig, Newark Advocate
·2 min read

JOHNSTOWN — The Northridge Board of Education has filled its two empty seats, and both new members are familiar faces within the community.

Geoff Wiggins was appointed to replace Chris Pokorny, who died last November, while Kate Creager takes over for Rick Burkholder, who decided not to see re-election in 2021. Their terms will end in December of 2023.

Wiggins has served on Northridge's finance committee for the past five years, and has been an advocate for and brought awareness to the state level, concerning the need for quality home internet in rural areas.

Geoff Wiggins has been appointed to the Northridge Local Schools Board of Education.
Geoff Wiggins has been appointed to the Northridge Local Schools Board of Education.

He has an extensive background in education, as a 20-year staff member at Ohio State University. He and his wife, Clare, have a son at Northridge.

"I'm honored to be selected to serve on the Northridge Local Schools Board of Education," Wiggins said in a press release. "I'm very proud of the work this district has done over these past few years, and as a board member, I plan to work very hard to help support that positive trajectory, while maintaining an environment of transparency, fiscal responsibility and accountability."

Creager has served as a PTO board member for several years, helped on the levy committee for the new elementary school, coaches and commissions Northridge youth athletics, teaches at her local church in Johnstown, and is involved at home with everything from farming to 4-H.

She and her husband, Rick, have three children at Northridge.

Kate Creager has been appointed to the Northridge Local Schools Board of Education.
Kate Creager has been appointed to the Northridge Local Schools Board of Education.

"I am both excited and honored to have been chosen to serve on the school board. I am looking forward to bringing a fresh perspective," Creager said. "There is so much pride and positive momentum in our little district, so helping keep what makes it special, but improving where we need to improve, is extremely important to me."

Board president Doug Hart and Jeff Schrock were re-elected last year, and their terms expire in December of 2025. Vice president Jayma Bammerlin has two years left on her term.

dweidig@gannett.com

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This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Two new members join Northridge Local Schools Board of Education